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Printable Version Selegiline Transdermal Patches

Active Ingredients: Selegiline Transdermal Patches
Other Names: Emsam Transdermal Patches
Drug Class: MAO-B Inhibitors
Rx Status: Available by prescription only
Generic Available: No
Product Images & Descriptions:

What is/are Selegiline Transdermal Patches?
What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine?
How should I use this medicine?
What if I miss a dose?
What may interact with this medicine?
What side effects may I notice from this medicine?
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Where should I keep this medicine?

What is/are Selegiline Transdermal Patches? (Back to top)
SELEGILINE is an monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). It is used to treat major depression. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.


What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • bipolar disease
  • dizzy or fainting spells
  • frequently drink alcohol-containing beverages
  • heart problems
  • history of a suicide attempt
  • pheochromocytoma
  • seizures
  • an unusual or allergic reaction to selegiline, other medicines or patches, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine? (Back to top)
This medicine is for external use only. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Apply the patch to dry, smooth skin on the upper back, chest, or thigh or to the outer part of the upper arm. Avoid injured, irritated, calloused, or scarred areas. Do not cut or trim the patch. When you apply a new patch, use a new area of skin. Use only 1 patch each day. Remove the old patch before applying a new one. Do not use your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. This medicine is not approved for use in children. Do not use in children under 12 years of age.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.


What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, apply only that dose. Do not apply double or extra doses.


What may interact with this medicine? (Back to top)
Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

  • altretamine
  • atomoxetine
  • caffeine
  • carbamazepine
  • cocaine
  • dextromethorphan
  • diphenoxylate
  • ephedrine
  • herbal medicines like ginseng, green tea, guarana, SAM-e, and St. John's Wort
  • isoniazid
  • linezolid
  • local anesthetics
  • medicines for mental depression
  • medicines for migraine headaches
  • meperidine
  • procarbazine
  • pseudoephedrine
  • stimulants like amphetamine, dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate
  • tramadol
  • tryptophan

This medicine may also interact with the following:
  • medicines for high blood pressure
  • prescription pain medicines

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.


What side effects may I notice from this medicine? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
  • angry, excitable, panic attack, mania, restless
  • breathing problems
  • chest pain
  • eyes more sensitive to light, enlarged pupils
  • feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
  • fever, clammy skin, sweaty
  • high blood pressure
  • irregular heartbeat
  • pain passing urine or change in the amount of urine
  • seizures
  • suicidal thoughts or other mood changes
  • trouble sleeping

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
  • constipation or diarrhea
  • cough
  • loss of appetite
  • muscle aches, pains
  • stomach gas, upset
  • swelling of the feet or legs
  • unusual taste in mouth

This list may not describe all possible side effects.


What should I watch for while using this medicine? (Back to top)
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not get better. Do not suddenly stop taking your medicine. This may make your condition worse or cause withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor or health care professional for advice about gradually reducing your dosage. Even after you stop taking this medicine the effects can last for at least two weeks.

Patients and their families should watch out for depression or thoughts of suicide that get worse. Also watch out for sudden or severe changes in feelings such as feeling anxious, agitated, panicky, irritable, hostile, aggressive, impulsive, severely restless, overly excited and hyperactive, or not being able to sleep. If this happens, especially at the beginning of antidepressant treatment or after a change in dose, call your health care professional.

If your doctor or health care professional increases the dose of this medicine to more than 9 mg a day, ask him/her about possible interactions with foods that contain tyramine. At higher doses, this medicine may interact with these foods to produce severe headaches, a rise in blood pressure, or irregular heart beat.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, flu or allergies without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Do not take any medications for weight loss without advice either. Some ingredients in these products may increase possible side effects.

This medicine may affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your doctor or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.


Where should I keep this medicine? (Back to top)
Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep this medicine in the foil pouch until you are ready to use it. When you remove a patch, fold with sticky sides together, put in an empty opened pouch and throw away. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.


Last Updated:February 25, 2008

COPYRIGHT© Gold Standard, An Elsevier Company


Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.

  Additional Information

  Check Drug Interactions with Selegiline Transdermal Patches

  Test Yourself! If you currently take Selegiline Transdermal Patches, do you know everything that you need to know?

  Make your own printable Medication / Emergency Contact Card



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